Status and management of Parthenium hysterophorus in Nepal
Parthenium hysterophorus (EPPO A2 List) is a highly invasive plant species which has negative impacts on biodiversity and agriculture production across the globe. The species was first recorded in Nepal in 1967, but has shown significant population expansion over the last 20 years. P. hysterophorus is dominant along roadsides, grasslands, abandoned agricultural land and natural areas – including the World Natural Heritage site, the Chitwan National Park. In Nepal, the impacts include altering the soil nutrient composition and outcompeting native plant species. Human health impacts have been observed in Nepal, similar to other regions where the species is invasive. Skin dermatitis has been recorded in Nepalese livestock owners and farmers that come into regular contact with the invasive plant. The authors detail current control methods that are adopted within the invasive range and highlight the biocontrol agents Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola (fungal rust) which have arrived in Nepal without human assistance and have resulted in some impact on the invasive population.
Sources
Shrestha BB, Shabbir A ; Adkins SW (2015) Parthenium hysterophorus in Nepal: a review of its weed status and possibilities for management. Weed Research 5, 132-144.